The landlocked Himalayan country has only one international airport – Paro. It is considered to be one of the most dangerous airports in the World. Why – check this: YouTube clip

The country is isolated from the rest of the world to preserve its native culture. Only a small group of tourists is allowed to visit each year. There is a daily tariff to visit the country, currently it is $250 per day. This however, includes accommodation, all food, all taxes, entrances, a guide and private transport. You can find out how to get there at traveltobhutan.co.uk

Bhutan is considered to be the most sustainable and eco-friendly country in the world.

It is the only carbon-sink country in the World (it absorbs more CO2 than produces.

It is in its constitution that the country has to keep 60% of forest. Currently forest takes up to 70% of the land. It is a legal requirement that for every tree removed another will be replanted.

Most of the country is powered by hydro-energy which is Bhutan’s main export. The government provides solar panels to all households.

Plastic bags are completely banned. So is tobacco!

There is a serious penalty for killing any endangered species. For instance, the penalty for killing a Black Neck Crane is a life sentence.

Because of the years of isolation, Bhutanese are some of the most distinctive and unique inhabitants of the World, renowned for their kindness, welcoming and general happiness.

The official language is Dzonga but there are 32 other languages.

The country’s policy strongly enforces preservation of local culture. There are laws that enforce people to wear traditional clothes, Gho (men) and Kira (women).

Bhutan has no traffic lights. Instead the traffic is controlled by policeman.

Bhutan is an absolute Monarchy. The king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wanchuck and the queen, Jetsun Pema are considered to be the most beautiful royal couple.

India and Bangladesh are the only countries which hold embassies in Bhutan.

China after sizing Tibet in 1959 closed all relations with Bhutan. Chinese tourists are not allowed to treck the country. They are only allowed to take part in cultural trips.

Bhutan is one of the poorest countries according to Gross National Product. The success of its politics and life is measured in Gross Nations Happiness (GNH).

United Nations Environment Programme (UNPD) stated that:

Bhutan, a small mountainous country nestled in the Himalayas, is a global leader in environmentally sustainable development. Its social, economic, political and spiritual foundations are rooted in the idea of Gross National Happiness. This means it strives towards equitable socio-economic development, preservation of culture, conservation of the environment and good governance.

]]>https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2015/09/24/kathmandu-durbar-square-people-gods-temples-and-pigeons/feed/0Ktm_bz-43viewfinderbzKtm_bz-39Ktm_bz-41Ktm_bz-42Ktm_bz-43Ktm_bz-45Ktm_bz-40Kathmanduhttps://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/kathmandu/
https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/kathmandu/#commentsSun, 13 Sep 2015 13:53:20 +0000http://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/?p=805]]>These pictures were taken in October 2014, about 7 months before the devastating earthquake.

The first day in Kathmandu is tough. The heavy pollution hovering in the entire valley makes breathing uncomfortable. Lungs are burning and the skin is covered with sweat and dust. It’s hot, chaotic and difficult to go around. There are no street names and the traffic is insane.

But there is an immense charm about this city. You can stop anywhere and admire the everyday life, people watching and feel the energy. It is a photographic treasure chest, exciting and exhilarating.

]]>https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2014/12/30/lisboa/feed/0Lisboa-14viewfinderbzLisboaLisboa-19Lisboa-18Lisboa-17Lisboa-16Lisboa-15Lisboa-14Lisboa-13Lisboa-12Lisboa-11Lisboa-10Lisboa-9Lisboa-8Lisboa-7Lisboa-6Lisboa-5Lisboa-4Lisboa-3Lisboa-2One day in Parishttps://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/on-day-in-paris/
https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/on-day-in-paris/#respondSun, 20 Oct 2013 21:06:10 +0000http://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/?p=781]]>]]>https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/on-day-in-paris/feed/0Paris (4 of 6)viewfinderbzParis (6 of 6)Paris (5 of 6)Paris (1 of 6)Paris (2 of 6)Paris (3 of 6)Neptunbrunnen Berlinhttps://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/neptunbrunnen-berlin/
https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/neptunbrunnen-berlin/#respondSat, 31 Aug 2013 07:10:52 +0000http://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/?p=771]]>]]>https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/neptunbrunnen-berlin/feed/0Berlin Neptune (5 of 6)viewfinderbzBerlin Neptune (6 of 6)Berlin Neptune (4 of 6)Berlin Neptune (3 of 6)Berlin Neptune (1 of 6)Berlin Neptune (2 of 6)Warszawa (Warsaw)https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/warszawa-warsaw/
https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/warszawa-warsaw/#respondSat, 17 Aug 2013 14:14:49 +0000http://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/?p=749]]>The slogan for Warsaw is ‘Zakochaj się w Warszawie’ which in English means “Fall in love with Warsaw” and I think I have. Prior to World War Two, the city was known as ‘the Paris of the East’ but this was before the Warsaw uprising which saw the city devastated by the bombs. Nothing survived, not one single building. What you see today has been carefully and lovingly rebuilt after the war. One English speaking friend once told me, the city’s destiny is in it’s English name: War-saw.

But enough about the history! Today the city is buzzing with life, funked up with super cool architecture and friendly people. It’s grand and mighty and the food is delicious. What else do you need? It doesn’t need to be on top of any European destination’s list as the city has its own character and flavour. I love it and I will definitely be back!

]]>https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/08/17/warszawa-warsaw/feed/0Warszawa (7 of 14)viewfinderbzWarszawa (1 of 14)Warszawa (2 of 14)Warszawa (3 of 14)Warszawa (4 of 14)Warszawa (5 of 14)Warszawa (6 of 14)Warszawa (8 of 14)Warszawa (9 of 14)Warszawa (10 of 14)Warszawa (11 of 14)Warszawa (12 of 14)Warszawa (13 of 14)Warszawa (14 of 14)Battersea Park Pleasure Gardenhttps://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/battersea-park-pleasure-garden/
https://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/2013/06/30/battersea-park-pleasure-garden/#respondSun, 30 Jun 2013 11:37:53 +0000http://viewfinderbz.wordpress.com/?p=733]]>‘In 1951 the northern parts of the park were transformed into the “Pleasure Gardens” as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations.’

‘The Festival of Britain was a national exhibition held throughout the United Kingdom in the summer of 1951. It was organised by the government to give Britons a feeling of recovery in the aftermath of war and to promote the British contribution to science, technology, industrial design, architecture and the arts.’

(Wikipedia)

These scrap medal structures designed in 1950s modern futuristic style remind me of Hollywood classic The Time Machine. This is the future of mankind as seen from the past. Today this place feels surreal.